THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

This third Sunday of Advent has a special theme.  The first reading from Zephaniah starts off with "Shout for joy and Sing joyfully".   The second reading, from Paul's letter to the Philippians starts off  "Rejoice in the Lord.  I'll say it again. Rejoice."  This should get you in the right mood. 

The gospel of Luke, chapter 3, follows as John the Baptist tells the people that he is not the one, but that one is to come.  With that, they asked what they should do.  In a nutshell, this is what he said.  Number 1 - share what you have with others, with the less fortunate.  Number 2 - be fair in all your  dealings with other people, especially when you have authority.  Number 3 - be kind to all people and treat them with respect.  Do not seek more than you need.  Number 4 - look for and be prepared to meet the Savior.

When I was a kid, the Church called this third Sunday of Advent "Gaudete Sunday."  The candle and ribbons on the Advent wreath and the priest's vestments for this week are rose colored as opposed to the purple for the rest of Advent.  In Latin, Gaudete means "a joyful break."  They assumed that Christians had already done two weeks of fasting and praying in preparation for Christmas - it was time for a break. 

Are you preparing?
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